Thesmophoria

October 26

(Greek) Ancient: 11–13 Puanepsion.
The Thesmophoria is a celebration of Sporetos (Seed-time), the autumn sowing, dedicated to Demeter and restricted
to women. (This is unusual in the Greek world for, although Gods often had Priests and Goddesses Priestesses,
the festivals were usually open to both men and women. Cf. the Festival for Bona Dea, c. Dec. 3.) Although the
ceremony is a women’s mystery, this much may be said.

1st Day: Anodos (Ascent)
During the Thesmophoria proper the women camp for three days in the Thesmophorion, the hillside sanctuary of
Demeter Thesmophoros. Under the direction of two Arkhousai (Officials), the women set out in procession with the
necessary supplies for three days and two nights, and set up their encampment, which takes the form of rows of
shelters or huts with walkways between them. The women sleep on the ground, generally two to a hut.